On Monday, May 2, 2011, Los Angeles Firefighters held a special celebration for Robert Jones, a four year-old boy who suffered third-degree burns to his hands and fingers earlier this year.

Los Angeles firefighters were so inspired by the boy's spirit that they pledged to hold a special birthday party for him at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center, where he has undergone three months of treatment - that included painful skin grafts, in the hospital's Burn Center.

Firefighters chipped in with armloads of presents, giving Robert a joyous celebration that included balloons, cake and his very own authentic "Los Angeles Fire Department" jacket and helmet.

Robert was proudly named "Honorary Firefighter of the Day" and given a certificate for a future ride on an LAFD fire boat when he recovers. The Los Angeles Fire Department extends special thanks to the caring staff at Torrance Memorial Medical Center for Robert's remarkable recovery and promising future. 

Our friends at SafeKids U.S.A. offer important tips for preventing burns and scalds, while the Education Center at MySafe:LA provides a comprehensive (and free) on-line course for burn prevention.


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Hold Special Celebration for Four Year-Old Burn Survivor

On Friday, April 1, 2011 at 4:52 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Gerry Malais responded to a Structure Fire With Civilian Injury at 14655 West Leadwell Street in Van Nuys.
 
Firefighters arrived to find smoke billowing out of a 1-story single family dwelling on a corner lot. They performed a strategic attack of the flames from the ground and the roof of this smoke charged structure. A quick, bold and decisive interior search was performed of the 1200 sqft residence, which was described as having pack-rat like conditions. The bulk of the fire was reported to be in the kitchen area. Firefighters made forcible entry through a steel security front door and located a 79 year-old female inside. The victim was found face up just five feet from the front door, without signs of life. Her dog lie next to her. Firefighter/Paramedics earnestly provided CPR and Advanced Life Support at the scene and during transportation to a local hospital. The victim suffered second and third degree burns to over 90% of her body. Despite the aggressive efforts of Firefighters she was later pronounced dead at the hospital. She was described by neighbors as a beloved member of the community.

 A total of 30 firefighters were able to fully extinguish the fire in just 17 minutes. In examining the fire's aftermath, there was evidence of one smoke alarm, however its functional status could not be confirmed. There were no window bars to impair the victim's escape, nor was the 62-year old house equipped with residential fire sprinklers. The cause of this early morning blaze is under active investigation by LAFD Arson Investigators. The monetary loss from a fire can not truly be weighed in the wake of the loss of life, however the dollar loss of this incident is estimated at $100,000.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - House Fire In Van Nuys Claims One Life

On Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly responded to a reported Structure Fire in Valley Glen. Upon making entry into an apartment unit, they found a kitchen fire that had already been extinguished. Unfortunately, an adult female suffered critical burns to her face, neck and arms while in the kitchen. When attempting to help, the victim's husband suffered moderate burn injuries to his hands.

The Los Angeles Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association would like to share some staggering statistics:

Each year approximately 3,000 Americans die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 are seen in our nation’s emergency rooms for burn injuries.

Burn injuries are commonly caused by flame, scalds or contact with a hot surface. Burns are painful and can result in serious disability, disfigurement - even death.

Most importantly, burns are preventable...

• Turn pot and pan handles away from the front of your stove, and use the rear burners when possible.
• Maintain a 3-foot 'kid-free' zone around your stove and wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
• Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking a hot beverage.
• Use extreme caution with items that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in use.

Sadly, today a woman is in the hospital fighting for her life. By using the tips above, you and your loved ones can greatly reduce the chance of receiving a serious burn injury.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Kitchen Fire Critically Burns Woman In Valley Glen

On Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 9:58 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Antoine McKnight responded to a Structure Fire at 622 South Wall Street in Downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived within three minutes to a three-story modern apartment building with fire in one unit on the first floor. While attacking the flames, an unconscious 62 year-old male was discovered on the floor of his small Studio Apartment. He sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to approximately 50% of his body, in addition to a severe respiratory injury. In critical condition, he was treated by LAFD Paramedics, who transported him to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. Sadly, after the patient arrived at the hospital, he died as a result of his injuries.

It took Firefighters just nine minutes to extinguish the blaze, but not before it caused $45,000 ($40,000 structure & $5,000 contents) loss to the approximate 150 square-foot residence. Firefighters determined smoke alarms were present in the home. There were no obvious physical factors impairing egress, and the 29 year-old residence was not equipped with fire sprinklers. The fire was determined to be the result of the occupant smoking while utilizing oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Downtown Apartment Fire Claims One Life

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 1:51 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 39 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, responded to a Critical Burn Injury at 2106 North Lincoln Park Avenue in the Lincoln Heights area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters responding to a reported Structure Fire arrived quickly to find the small fire out, but a critically burned man at the front door of a small rear-yard structure converted to living space.


View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab zoom the image above)
The 71 year-old male, who sustained 3rd degree circumferential burns to the upper half of his body, was skilfully treated by LAFD personnel before being transported in grave condition by LAFD Paramedic Ambulance to the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

An Investigation Team from the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section carefully examined the scene and spoke with witnesses. LAFD Investigators surmise the man's clothing ignited while attempting to quench a small fire within the living unit, and are categorizing his life-threatening injuries as accidental in nature.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Man Gravely Burned When Clothes Catch Fire